There and Back

Valley Farm is the oldest building on site at Flatford . Built in the mid-15th century, it is a medieval Great Hall House that was home to wealthy yeoman farmers up until the early 1900s. It is a good example of a medieval, open hall house which is now a Grade 1 listed building. On the 8th September, the National Trust had its Heritage Open Day when many of the properties normally closed to the public, are open for the day - for free. Having walked past Valley Farm many times, we decided to have a look inside.  Unfortunately, only the central hall was open, but was well worth the visit, partly due to the very knowledgeable staff on hand. At one time Willy Lott's grandparents (English and Mary Lott) lived at Valley Farm and it was later owned by Willy Lott’s brother John (a farmer like his brother) who lived there with his wife and 14 children.  Outside, the walls were timbered and painted with lime wash at regular intervals to preserve the timber frame and se